THE MANSION

Now the mansion has a roof we have been able to inspect the stonework at roof level more closely. The fire in 1917 did considerable damage to stonework. Whilst removing the grass that had grown on the south slope of the east pediment, our builders discovered that five of the large stone copings had fragmented as a result of the fire - see photo below.

We took action by immediately fencing off the area in front of the mansion in case any stonework collapsed. Our stonework contractors have inspected and measured the damaged stones using a crane. The new stone replacements have been carved and will be delivered shortly.

Whilst the crane was on site the contractors took the opportunity to clean the accumulated vegetation off the whole of the main cornice. Extensive scaffolding will have to be erected in order to remove the damaged stonework and install the replacements. The overall cost of this work is approximately £30,000. We have already been given a generous donation of £6,250 towards this cost. If you would like to help - please see our Wish List .

On the first floor of the wing a mezzanine floor has been constructed in the double-height storage space beside the lift shaft. This space will eventually be used as a store for exhibition material in conjunction with the adjacent four exhibition rooms. To access the mezzanine we have built a permanent staircase at the southern end. As the mezzanine floor is only eight steps below the second floor of the wing, we have also taken the opportunity to install a temporary staircase to gain access to this level.

The staircase referred to on the previous page is called a ‘managed access’ which means that, because of fire regulations, it may be used only for small supervised groups.

This access has a number of advantages. First, it makes it much easier for our builders and the mansion volunteers to access the second floor – rather than by climbing the existing ladder on the other side of the building. This is especially helpful when they are carrying tools. Second, it allows the Trust to show previous or potential funders a close up view of the glazed roof project in the Lightwell – see Phil McKinder’s article below.

Work on the stone staircase has advanced with the third flight to reach the first floor now installed - see photo below. The installation of the first floor stone landing - around two sides of the stairwell - has involved complex engineering, as it must be able to accommodate the increased load of public access. Our engineers, after much deliberation, have arrived at a solution and the landing can soon be installed.

Work has advanced further on the State Hall. The woodwork has been painted, the doors have been delivered and the installation of the oak floor will commence shortly.

Alan Cox

Photos: Peter Gamble

Phil McKinder

GLAZING THE LIGHTWELL

A lot has happened since the Spring/Summer newsletter went to print.

With the temporary accommodation staircase having been constructed - see page 5 and 6 - we now have access to the second floor from the first floor of the wing. The next phase will be the construction of the greater part of the glazed roof. The complex detailed design drawings for this and the permanent staircase have been advanced with regard to engineering and other approvals.

This small staircase will not be used for normal tours but we can permit access to a limited number of escorted guests to gain a unique experience of some of the rooms. At the AGM, I was pleased to announce that we are in the process of putting together guest packages, for those who wish to have that second floor experience. By the time you read this, many who helped to make the access possible, by running a Coffee Morning or in other ways, will be invited to visit the second floor, if they have not already done so. Invitations to other supporters will follow. Not only will they enjoy the vista from the new windows, they will be also given a full explanation of the project by our architect, Alan Cox. All the relevant architectural plans will be on show, not only for the roof and permanent stairs, but also for the other proposals to transform the Lightwell. Visitors will be invited to contribute to this most important project.

If you would like to be amongst the first to visit the second floor and experience this exciting project, please register your interest with me via
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